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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What do Alexandra and Jordan do after a time of riding?

2. Who thinks Elizabeth Grangerfield is acting disgracefully?

3. Of what is Jordan tired?

4. Why does everyone suddenly jump up in excitement?

5. What is one thing Alexandra believes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Alexandra bemoan as she is riding in the carriage?

2. Briefly describe the discussion about caterpillars that Alexandra and her grandfather have.

3. What does Jordan's family learn about his whereabouts on the third day of waiting for news?

4. What does Alexandra immediately ask when the party arrives at Hawthorne and how does she occupy her time at Hawthorne?

5. Why does Leticia Bildrup think Elizabeth Grangerfield is acting disgracefully?

6. What does Mrs. Lawrence say in reply to Jordan's assertion that he is an honorable man?

7. What does Jordan say to Lady Catherine about what he just saw and what is her reply?

8. What is the history between Elizabeth Grangerfield and Jordan Hawthorne?

9. How does Mrs. Lawrence see this episode as an opportunity?

10. How does Alexandra reveal her innocence and naivete at the inn the first night that the newly wedded couple stop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Something Wonderful deals with the subject of gender, whether it is a deliberate inclusion by McNaught or not. Discuss the following:

1. Define the term "gender."

2. Does gender only refer to whether a person is male or female? Is gender easy to identify?

3. Discuss the English cultural definitions of gender during the time of Something Wonderful and the expectations for each gender. Do any of those expectations exist today?

4. Are women the only ones harmed by gender-based expectations? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Something Wonderful takes place in and about London, England in the early 1800s. Discuss the following:

1. Research and discuss the political and cultural setting of Europe in the early 1800s. How do you think the cultural milieu informs the plot of Something Wonderful? Explain.

2. Discuss the lives of Jordan and his social group in light of the class structure in England at the time of Something Wonderful. Do their behaviors seem superficial considering that the Napoleonic Wars are ongoing?

3. How would the plot be impacted if the setting were in the United States at that time? How about in England in the 21st century?

4. How important do you think it is to understand the setting of a particularly book? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Alexandra's father as it is learned after he dies, is a polygamist. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think more men than women are polygamists? Mr. Lawrence keeps the existence of his other family secret from his first wife. Why do you think he does so? What would you say about his integrity?

2. How do you think women are viewed in countries where polygamy is illegal such as England? How do you think they are viewed in countries where polygamy is legal? Discuss the differences

3. Should polygamy be controlled by law and what are the advantages and disadvantages to allowing polygamy?

4. If polygamy were legal in your country for either men or woman, would you consider more than one husband or wife? Explain why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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